Ferdinand | EducationGhana | January 28 | Key Highlights from the Vetting of Education Minister-Designate Hon. Haruna Iddrisu
 Explore the key moments and discussions during the vetting of Education Minister-Designate Hon. Haruna Iddrisu. Learn about his plans for Free SHS, tertiary education, and GETFund reforms.
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Parliamentary Vetting of Education Minister-Designate Hon. Haruna Iddrisu: Key Takeaways
The Minister-Designate for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, appeared before Parliament for vetting, addressing critical issues in the education sector and outlining the government’s plans to ensure sustainable reforms.
Free SHS Program to Undergo Stakeholder Review
Responding to questions about the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Manifesto, Hon. Iddrisu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reviewing the Free Senior High School (SHS) program. He described the policy as a bold initiative aimed at transforming education but acknowledged the need for enhancements to ensure its sustainability.
“With emphasis on the future of Free Senior High School in particular, how to assure it of adequate, reliable, sustainable financing, we will undertake a stakeholder forum which will involve donors and partners, involve academia, parents, and students,” Hon. Iddrisu stated.
The proposed stakeholder forum will explore key issues, including transitioning from universal free education to a progressively free model, focusing on infrastructure and sustainable funding.
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Free First-Year University Tuition Policy
Another major topic of discussion was the government’s proposed free first-year academic fees for university students. Hon. Iddrisu estimated that implementing the policy would cost the country approximately GH₵345 million.
“This initiative is intended to make tertiary education more accessible to students across the country,” he said. Additionally, he assured that students who have already paid their first-year tuition would receive refunds under the policy.
Plans to Uncap the GETFund
Hon. Iddrisu announced plans to uncap the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) as a strategic move to address infrastructural deficits in the education sector. He emphasized the importance of this reform in unlocking additional resources for educational development.
“The decision to uncap GETFund will be taken in collaboration with the Finance Minister to free up additional resources for the fund’s intended purpose,” he added.
Commitment to Adequate Financing for Education
Hon. Iddrisu highlighted the importance of securing dependable and sustainable financing for education initiatives. He proposed a collaborative approach involving donors, academia, parents, and students to ensure that education policies are well-funded and impactful.
“The future of education lies in adequate and reliable funding, and we intend to involve all key stakeholders in this effort,” he said.
Conclusion
The vetting of Hon. Haruna Iddrisu provided critical insights into the government’s vision for education in Ghana. From reviewing the Free SHS program to implementing free first-year university tuition and unlocking additional resources through GETFund reforms, Hon. Iddrisu’s proposals signal a forward-looking approach to addressing the challenges in Ghana’s education sector.

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